Gospel Pass

West from the Gospel Pass road on a day of strong winds, bright sunshine, snow showers and wonderful clear views

The Gospel Pass (Welsh: Bwlch yr Efengyl) is the highest road pass in Wales. It is at the head of the Vale of Ewyas in the Black Mountains of southeast Wales.[1] The narrow mountain road climbs steeply from Hay-on-Wye to a height of 549 metres (1,801 ft) [2] above sea level, squeezing between the mountains of Twmpa to the west and Hay Bluff to the east, before dropping down into the valley to the south on its way to Llanthony Priory, Llanfihangel Crucorney and Abergavenny.

The name is supposed to derive from the passage through here in the 12th century of Crusaders preaching and fundraising. At one time a small lead-mining operation was established at the pass.[3] The Gospel Pass is one of the most celebrated locations within the Brecon Beacons National Park, being a popular destination for sightseers and is popular too with walkers and cyclists. Indeed the Gospel Pass road forms a part of route 42 of the National Cycle Network. It also featured in the opening scenes of the film "An American Werewolf In London".

References

  1. ↑ Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 scale Landranger map sheet 161 Abergavenny & the Black Mountains
  2. ↑ Ordnance Survey Map OL13 1:25,000
  3. ↑ British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale geological map sheet 214 Talgarth & accompanying 'sheet explanation'

Coordinates: 51°54′16″N 3°01′12″W / 51.9044°N 3.0201°W